AN ISLE of Wight drink driver was caught over twice the legal limit after giving his nagging friend a lift to Newport.

Jack Hodgson, of Cheverton Shute, Shorwell, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, July 23.

The 32-year-old admitted drink driving in Newport, on June 16.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, said a male was seen by patrolling police officers driving erratically in the vicinity of Newport Town Centre, on Furrlongs.

She said officers stopped the vehicle, a bottle of alcohol was spotted by the driver’s seat, and the driver, Hodgson, was described as slurring his words.

The court heard he registered a breath-alcohol reading of 85 when the legal limit is 35.

Michael McGoldrick, defending, said Hodgson had been out in Cowes and had a friend with him who was nagging Hodgson to give him a lift to Newport.

Mr McGoldrick said he was clearly over the limit, accepted taking a chance, and regretted what happened.

He said he was so compliant and co-operative with police that he didn’t need to be handcuffed.

Hodgson was disqualified from driving for 22 months and fined £450.

He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £180 surcharge.